Maybe this is the Andrew Bynum all the Cleveland Cavaliers fans envisioned when his arrival was announced.

Bynum had his best game of the season for the Cavs and was a true difference maker, especially in the defensive side of the court, as Cleveland topped the Chicago Bulls 97-93 at the Quicken Loans Arena.

The former Los Angeles Lakers center had been heavily criticized because many thought he wasn’t giving his maximum effort on the court and he delivered with his best outing of the year so far against a tough team in the Eastern Conference. Bynum ended the game with 20 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks and all of them were season-highs for him.

Bynum was important for the Cavaliers but he wasn’t alone in this game, at least on the offensive side of the ball. Tristan Thompson had a monster day with 14 rebounds and he also scored the final two free throws that put the game out of the Bulls’ reach. Dion Waiters had 20 points coming off the bench and Kyrie Irving added 19 points with six assists.

The Cavs really needed a win after all the rumors that have been said in recent days. The speculation about a trade on Dion Waiters, the chemistry issues of the team and even the lackluster play of both Irving and Bynum have all been subjects talked about in the media and not much has been talked about what the Cavs are doing on the hardwood. They haven’t been very good as they have a 5-12 record after today’s win, but they are clearly on the right track if they can replicate today’s performance several times throughout the year.

And who knows, if Andrew Bynum plays like this on a daily basis, maybe the Cavs can turn things around sooner rather than later.